While Erica Mena is more known for her bangin' body & reality TV drama, the Bronx native recently shocked many of her fans by giving the Commencement speech at New York's Unity Center for Urban Technologies. Mena was asked to speak by the senior class vice president who said "the student body can relate to [Erica's] story full-heartedly."

Erica addressed the fact that she never received her diploma, but has been inspired by the students and faculty at the Unity Center for Urban Tech.

"As you go through life, you're going to make mistakes, but it's not the mistake that counts, its how you bounce back! I'm not proud at the route I chose, but because of it I can stand before you today and deliver these words of wisdom. Learn from my story and remember life is what you make it. Where you're from does not determine where you're going. You are the creator of your destiny."

Check out flicks of Mena at the ceremony and signing copies of her new book for students.

Source: bossip.com